South Florida Sweet Corn Fiesta Heads into 17th Year this Month
Yasir Salem ate 47 ears of Florida sweet corn at last year’s League Eating’s National Sweet Corn Eating Championship to become the reigning champion.
Who/What: The 17th annual South Florida Sweet Corn Fiesta
When: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sun., April 30
Major League Eating’s National Sweet Corn Eating Championship begins at 3 p.m.
Where: Yesteryear Village, South Florida Fairgrounds, 9067 Southern Blvd., West Palm Beach
Details: More than 4,000 visitors are expected to attend this annual event to eat some of the best locally grown sweet corn and enjoy other activities for both children and adults. Among the highlights is Major League Eating’s National Sweet Corn Eating Championship. At stake is a total purse prize of $6,100. According to MLE, this 12-minute event is “the ultimate test of technique and capacity, a marathon in which focus and emotional calm is more important than pure power.” At last year’s event, Yasir Salem ate 47 ears of Florida sweet corn to set a new world record. An amateur contest will precede the professional competition. To enter, participants must sign up before 12:45 p.m.
Other highlights include an expanded Kid Zone, sponsored by Florida Crystals, with more rides and other contests beginning at 1 p.m., including old-fashioned bathing suits, kids and adult corn shucking. Two bands — The Krystal River Band and The Sierra Band — will provide live music throughout the day.
The South Florida Sweet Corn Fiesta celebrates Palm Beach County’s heritage as the “Sweet Corn Capital of the World.” Palm Beach County grows more sweet corn than any other county in the US. Local farmers cultivate more than 27,000 acres yearly. Few counties grow half that acreage. In April and May alone, over 7 million crates of fresh Florida Sunshine sweet corn are shipped each year. The local yield is quickly shipped to supermarkets throughout the United States, Canada and Europe and the new varieties can have a refrigerated life of 10 to 12 days. The Sweet Corn Fiesta is an outreach activity of the Western Palm Beach County Farm Bureau and is made possible by sponsors and volunteers. Proceeds go to agriculture education and advocacy and to Glades area food banks. For more information, call (561) 996-0343 or visit the website, http://www.sweetcornfiesta.com.
Admission: $8 for adults, $5 for children ages 6-11, and free to kids 5 years old and younger. A $5 unlimited rides wristband is available for kids. Parking is free. No outside food or beverages are permitted.
Wellington Accepting Grant Applications for Limited Time
Wellington is excited to announce the return of its Beautiful Wellington Grant Tier IV. Back for its third year, this grant offers homeowners up to $1,500 per address in matching funds for exterior painting and pressure washing, aesthetic-based landscaping, installation of irrigation to maintain vegetation, minor facade repairs, and driveway/parking pad and walkway repair or replacement.
Applications for the second round will be accepted beginning Monday, May 1, 2017 through Thursday, May 11, 2017 at 5:00 p.m. All applications will be independently evaluated by an Evaluation/Selection Committee on May 11, 2017 beginning at 10:00 AM local time.
The application is currently available online on our Wellington Grants webpage, which includes a checklist of documentation required to apply. Please review this list carefully and note the items that may take additional time to collect (estimates, proposals, etc.) as we will only accept completed applications between May 1, 2017 and May 11, 2017.
Please note that this will be the final round of the Beautiful Wellington Grant Tier IV. This grant will be revised and replaced with the Great Neighborhoods Grant in FY 2018. For more information, please contact the Community Services Office at 561-791-4796.
As another way to stay informed on the latest news and updates from the Village, residents are invited to sign up for Wellington information and updates at www.wellingtonfl.gov/enews.
For information about other Wellington programs, events, activities, and updates, please visit www.wellingtonfl.gov or watch WellingtonTV for the latest happenings.
Jeffros Heroes, Bringing Smiles to Kids in Hospitals
By Krista Martinelli
Jeff Ritter of Jeffros Heroes
Jeff Ritter is a true super hero. It all began about 3 years ago when he founded Jeffros Heroes. He dresses up as different superheroes and visits kids in hospitals and rehab centers. It’s something that he and a few of his friends do free of charge. These days he often gets calls from nurses and finds out who to visit and who the preferred superhero is. Ritter explains, “When their real hero thinks they are cool, that’s the best feeling. I bring positivity and assurance to kids.”
Here is Ritter in action with a teenage boy who has cerebral palsy. People have asked him how he knows what to say. “It’s easy,” he says. “I just start by saying 9 or 10 nice things about them.”
Ironically, Ritter says that he has “no special talents.” I would argue that he has a special talent for talking to children who are going through a rough time. He makes what some might find awkward as effortless.
He was dressing up for kids’ birthday parties when he got the idea to bring cheer to kids in hospitals three years ago. He works as a waiter at a restaurant called BrickTops and does this on the side. “You have to use what you have to help others,” he strongly believes.
He says that he’s had a giving spirit ever since his childhood, which is something his parents instilled in him. Their church was doing a toy drive for kids in Haiti when Ritter was six years old. “I believe in the Golden Rule,” says Ritter. “I couldn’t even picture what it might be like to be a kid with no toys. I gave away all of my toys for that toy drive.”
His best costume, according to Ritter, is the batman costume. “It looks the coolest, but it’s also the sweatiest.” With a little help from friends, they can also bring Superman, Spiderman, Batman, Supergirl and a few other superheroes to hospitals.
They have visited children in St. Mary’s, the Nicholas Children’s Hospital in Miami, Quantum House and a few foster homes, including Grandma’s Place.
Ritter says that people can donate via his GoFundMe account, Heroes4Hospitals, which is a 501c3 organization. He also has a Facebook page for his related non-profit organization The Love Planet. And there’s a Jeffros Heroes Facebook page too. Jeffros Heroes can take checks. Also, those who would like to volunteer can get in touch with Jeff Ritter for more information.
Hero wristbands for $5 to support Jeffro’s Heroes, as well as a family in need.
Another small way to support Jeffros Heroes is to buy a wristband for $5. On one side, it says, “You are someone’s hero” and on the flip side, it says, “I am someone’s hero.” According to Ritter, these are intended to circulate in the community. If someone does something nice for you, you can give them the wristband, telling them, “You are someone’s hero.” For every bracelet purchased, $1 goes directly to one of three families in need.
Recently there was an 8-year-old girl who had been in a car accident. Her birthday was coming up in a week and what she really wanted was a visit from Ironman, her favorite hero. In just two days, they were able to raise the $1,000 needed for an Ironman suit. This girl got a visit from Captain America, Batman and yes, Ironman. She was crying – tears of joy. “You can make a difference,” says Ritter, “even when you have only a week.”
He takes heart in the fact that most of these kids want to give back. He often asks them what they want to be when they grow up. “99% of the time they say, ‘I want to be a doctor for kids or a nurse. When you see love and compassion coming from kids like that, it’s amazing.’” These are kids who are being poked and prodded throughout the day for medical reasons, but still have the energy to give back.
Often the parents feel helpless in some ways, not knowing how to improve the situation for their kids. “They are always so gracious and overly thankful,” says Ritter. Because he doesn’t do it for money, but just out of kindness, the parents treat him as a hero as well.
Jeff Ritter has always loved kids. “Even at 15 years old, I was thinking about having kids,” he says. Today he and his girlfriend Kara have a 5-year-old daughter and a son on the way. Often he has his daughter help him in some way with his volunteer work. “I have her help me, not because it’s cute to have her there, but to instill in her what my parents instilled in me at an early age about helping others.” For example, recently his daughter presented the $3,000 that they raised for his friend Tony, who has cancer of the esophagus.
He grew up in Loxahatchee. His parents are “like traveling pastors.” His Mom sings, and his Dad plays keyboards as well as other instruments. “They’re proud of me,” he says. “It took me 35 years to make them proud, but I did it.”
It’s good to know that there is a local superhero that kids can count on. Sometimes he brings a few of his superhero friends too. Thanks, Jeffros Heroes!
Time marches on and sometimes we need to combine the Letter from the Editor for two months. It’s a beautiful spring with Passover going on, and people making preparations for Easter.
Jeffrey Ritter visits children in hospitals, spreading cheer.
Today I had the pleasure of interviewing a true hero, Jeff Ritter of Jeffros Heroes. For about three years now, he’s been dressing up as a superhero and visiting sick kids in hospitals, bringing cheer wherever he goes. It’s always inspiring to meet someone who does something they truly love and someone who doesn’t do it for money, but for the joy of it. My story about Jeff will come out a little later this month.
This month (April) I also had the opportunity to interview Justin Brady of a much-loved local restaurant, Bolay. A lot of people are frequent flyers to Bolay, eating there three or four times a week. Read about what makes Bolay’s healthy take on eating so special in this month’s “AW Spotlight” article.
A warm welcome to our new intern and Teen Talk writer Mikayla Carroll. Mikayla is also the News Editor at the Palm Beach Central High School newspaper, the Bronco Beat. I look forward to hearing about what is on her mind in upcoming Teen Talk columns.
One of our writers, Dr. Randy Laurich, has been producing videos instead of writing articles for his “Ask the Docs” column, a nice twist. Check out his informative video about the possible Repercussions of Heavy Weight Lifting.
This month Wendell Abern gets even more Cantankerous in Cantankerously Yours as he recalls his attempts to fix a flat tire and the reputation that it brought him.
For a run-down of some great cultural things to Live, Go, Do, read “Cultural Corner” by Lori Baumel. She always provides an excellent listing of things to do. This month she talks about the many twists and turns we have experienced…with the election, the Oscars, the Superbowl. Things have been unpredictable.
As always, this is just the tip of the iceberg. Please explore the many articles and new photos that we have to offer on AroundWellington.com. And I look forward to seeing you Around Wellington!
Old School Square to Present Six Great Concerts & a Comedy Smash Hit in May
· Free Friday Concerts – May 5, 19 & 26
· Blues on the Square – May 11 & 25
· One Funny Mother – May 19-20
· Jim Caruso’s Cast Party – May 23
Tickets Now On Sale for All Seven Fun-Filled Events at www.OldSchoolSquare.org
DELRAY BEACH, FL – April 12, 2017 – Old School Square is presenting seven outstanding shows and concerts in May. Tickets for all of them are available for online purchase now at www.OldSchoolSquare.org.
May 5 at 7:30 pm (Friday)
Free Friday Concerts – Spring Series
Remix
Top 40/R&B/Rock. Weather permitting; bring lawn chairs, and bring the family, but no pets or outside food and beverage. Food trucks and cash bar are available.
Location: Old School Square Pavilion
Tickets: FREE
May 11 at 7:30 pm (Thursday)
Blues on the Square presents
Jay Blue Band
The sound of Americana, Blues, Rock and Soul. Experience some of Florida’s best blues bands. Bring chairs, but no pets or outside food and beverage. Food trucks, popcorn, ice cream. Sponsored by Lagunitas and Old School Bakery.
Location: Old School Square Pavilion
Tickets: $5 at the gate (general admission); $5 beers
May 19 at 7:30 pm (Friday)
Free Friday Concerts – Spring Series
Royal Majestique
Jumbo Lounge. Weather permitting; bring lawn chairs, and bring the family, but no pets or outside food and beverage. Food trucks and cash bar are available.
Location: Old School Square Pavilion
Tickets: FREE
May 19-20 at 8 pm (Friday & Saturday)
One Funny Mother
One Funny Mother stars comedian, former Miss New Jersey, and married mother of three, DENA BLIZZARD in her hilarious solo comedy show about the trials and tribulations of motherhood and marriage. An outrageous and side-splitting 80 minutes of sass that follows Dena on her hilarious journey through a day of cleaning as she prepares for her big “Girls Night Out.” One Funny Mother has toured the United States and was recently named “Best One Woman Show” at the 2015 United Solo Festival in New York City. One Funny Mother is a great “Girls Night Out” or Date Night for anyone that IS a mom, HAS a mom or is MARRIED to a mom.
Location: Crest Theatre at Old School Square
Tickets: $41 & $31
May 23 at 8 pm (Tuesday)
Jim Caruso’s Cast Party
An Extreme Open Mic
With Billy Stritch, Piano
Direct from the legendary Birdland in New York City, it’s the “on the road” version of Cast Party, a wildly popular weekly soiree since 2003. This will be the fifth time that Cast Party has come to town. Host Caruso says, “Billy and I have been thrilled at the turnout of extraordinary musical talent that has taken part in these magical nights. The level of talent has been off-the-charts!”
Location: Crest Theatre at Old School Square
Tickets: $35
(Note: Four tables are available for up to five guests each. The cost is $250 per table, including a bottle of wine and table service. Tables must be purchased directly through the Box Office.)
May 25 at 7:30 pm (Thursday)
Blues on the Square presents
Gabe Stillman & The Billtown Giants
Americana/Blues/Rock/Soul. Experience some of Florida’s best Blue bands. Bring chairs, but no pets or outside food and beverage. Food trucks, popcorn, ice cream. Sponsored by Lagunitas and Old School Bakery.
Location: Old School Square Pavilion
Tickets: $5 at the gate (general admission); $5 beers
May 26 at 7:30 pm (Friday)
Free Friday Concerts – Spring Series
Rod Stewart Experience
Tribute Concert. Weather permitting; bring lawn chairs, and bring the family, but no pets or outside food and beverage. Food trucks and cash bar are available.
Location: Old School Square Pavilion
Tickets: FREE
How to Get Tickets:
Tickets for all seven concerts and shows in May 2017 can be purchased online at www.OldSchoolSquare.org or by calling the Box Office at 561.243.7922, ext. 1.
About Old School Square:
Old School Square is the center of arts & entertainment in downtown Delray Beach and has served as the community’s gathering place for over 25 years. The historic campus welcomes half a million people each year for programs, classes, events and rental activities and includes the intimate Crest Theatre (in the restored 1925 Delray High School building) the Cornell Art Museum (in the 1913 Delray Elementary building), and the Fieldhouse (c. 1925). The Pavilion, which opened in 2002, hosts outdoor concerts and shows. The Creative Arts School (2nd floor of the Crest Theatre building) offers art, photography and writing classes. Old School Square also serves as a venue for community, corporate, private and media events. For information on all programs and services, call 561-243-7922 or visit OldSchoolSquare.org.
Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience (MPFI) 2017 Science Meets Music Series– Details for Fourth and Final Event
WHAT: Science Meets Music is an innovative four-part series featuring a scientific lecture accompanied by a classical music performance. The very popular series has expanded from three events to four events this season based on high demand. Please see below for details on the fourth and final event.
WHAT | WHEN:
• Wednesday, April 19, 2017; reception begins at 5:30 p.m.; Science and Music Presentation begins at 6:15 p.m.
Samuel M. Young, Jr., PhD, Research Group Leader of Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience Breaking the Code: How Molecular Machines Determine Brain Function
Based on his research using cutting-edge technology, Dr. Young’s lecture will focus on deciphering how molecules within synapses regulate the initial stages of hearing. As many brain disorders and disabilities are due to the inability of synapses to properly release neurotransmitters, outcomes of Dr. Young’s work will have tremendous potential to identify novel targets for new therapies for neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders or brain injury.
Music by Aleksandr Zhuk, Violinist and Tao Lin, Pianist
Aleksandr Zhuk was born into a celebrated musical family in Moscow, Russia. He began studying violin at the age of six at the Gnessin Special School for Gifted Children. He has performed extensively throughout Europe and the United states as a soloist, chamber musician, and concertmaster of various orchestras.
Described by critics as possessing “Keen musical intelligence and excellent facility” as well as “opulent and romantic tone”, Chinese-American concert pianist and Steinway artist Tao Lin has performed in Asia, North America, and Europe. A versatile musician, he is equally at home as soloist, recitalist and chamber musician.
WHERE: Benjamin Hall, The Benjamin Upper School; 4875 Grandiflora Road; Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33418
HOW MUCH: Free admission; seating is limited, so RSVP is required
MORE INFO: RSVP at http://rsvp.mpfi.org or call 561-972-9027 for more information
About the Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience
The Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience (MPFI), a not-for-profit research organization, is part of the world-renowned Max Planck Society, Germany’s most successful research organization with over 80 institutes worldwide. Since its establishment in 1948, 18 Nobel laureates have emerged from the ranks of its scientists. It has produced over 15,000 publications, more than 3,000 inventions and over 90 spin-off companies, putting it on par with the best and most prestigious research institutions in the world. As its first U.S. institution, MPFI brings together exceptional neuroscientists from around the world to answer fundamental questions about brain development and function and to develop new technologies that make groundbreaking scientific discoveries possible. Their research is shared publicly with scholars, universities and other organizations around the globe, providing the necessary foundation of knowledge to develop treatments and cures for brain disorders such as autism, schizophrenia, Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease. For more information, visit www.maxplanckflorida.org.
Join Loggerhead Marinelife Center’s Blue Friends on Saturday, April 15 at 8:30 a.m. for the Great American Cleanup. Following one hour of cleaning the beach, join us for a light bite sponsored by Whole Foods Market in Palm Beach Gardens and Oceana Coffee Remember to please bring a bucket (if you have one) to collect the trash. Please RSVP to bluefriends@marinelife.org.
Calling all runners! Loggerhead Marinelife Center’s 6th Annual Run 4 The Sea will be held in beautiful Juno Beach along the scenic Atlantic Ocean and A1A and celebrates ocean conservation and endangered sea turtles. The event features a fun one-mile run for children and a four-mile run for adults, as well as a post-race celebration with music and breakfast. Sign up to participate at: runsignup.com/Race/FL/NorthPalmBeach/Run4TheSea2017
You are cordially invited to enjoy the gold standard of pedicures! This curative escape utilizes our “Perfect” aromatherapy journey by featuring the red flower Japanese Peony Aroma Therapeutic Body Oil. Called the “companion of serenity”, the Japanese peony was considered a symbol of beauty in old China, and works harmoniously with the beautiful scent of rose to soothe and calm. A highly concentrated blend of Bulgarian rose, clove, peony, valley lilies, and lemon blossom aromatherapy will clear your mind and enhance mental function while a nourishing blend of avocado, clove bud, lemon, lily of the valley, peony, rose flower, safflower seed and sweet almond oils will deeply nourish and hydrate your skin. Only the purest and highest quality 100% biodegradable, biocompatible and certified organic ingredients are selected for these oils, and they are free of dyes, parabens, sulfates, petrochemicals and synthetic preservatives. The Japanese Peony Aroma Therapeutic Body Oil is also vegan, gluten free, and cruelty free. Be pampered in la vie en rose.
Midas Gold Mask and Dermaflash Treatment
Learn the golden rule for anti-aging with this amazing two-in-one facial treatment. Your gilded journey to a more youthful complexion begins with a professional cleanse to prepare the skin. Then you will experience the revolutionary Dermaflash exfoliating facial device, that will painlessly remove dead skin cells, built up debris, and pesky peach fuzz. Results are immediate, and you will enjoy smooth, radiant, touchable skin that looks and feels healthier. It is gentle and safe for all skin types, and allows skin care products and makeup to go on more smoothly and evenly. Then the rejuvenating Gold Mask is applied for anti-inflammatory healing. Gold is said to draw out toxins and impurities, increase blood flow, and to slow down collagen and elastin depletion. After this dual action treatment, your face will enjoy decreased inflammation, improved blood circulation, accelerated cell renewal, reduction of age spots, and enhanced elasticity. Revel in the golden age of anti-aging!
Champagne & NexGen Manicure
Sip bubbles and enjoy the good life as you are treated to the next generation of nail enhancement technology! NexGenNails not only feel and look natural, but they also do not damage your nail bed. These strong, durable nails are crack and chip resistant, as well as non-toxic, odor-free and environmentally friendly. Calcium and Vitamin E fortified, NexGenNails are also water resistant for beach lovers. For years, salon owners and nail professionals have searched for a safe and healthy alternative to acrylic nails that would add length, protection and shine, without the damage that acrylics can cause. Nails will stay shiny and sleek for two to three weeks. Now that is something we can all raise a toast to!
3 Day Bikini Cleanse: Includes 3 Bikini Smoothies, 6 Bikini Sticks and 3 Bikini Teas**
Set your intention to be fabulous! Simply replace breakfast or lunch once a day with a delicious Bikini Smoothie that works as an energy-enhancing and craving-fighting meal replacement. Then mix one Bikini Stick energy crystals with water, and proceed to sip on these sweet and refreshing fat burning beverages twice a day. Right before bed, detox with a Bikini Tea that tastes amazing and promotes regular bowel movements while shedding excess water weight. If you love the three days, then stack on three days more. Summers are better enjoyed with a flat stomach, and so start your internal Spring cleaning today!
*These specials do not include a Spa Day Pass with the exception of the Midas Gold Mask and Dermaflash Treatment, but can be upgraded to include a Spa Day Pass for a discounted price of $40.
**3 Day Bikini Cleanse Details:
BIKINI SMOOTHIE:
Dreamy orange and Tahitian Vanilla flavored protein shake
High in Vitamin C
Delicious meal replacement- Either breakfast or lunch
Contains milk and soy
“Stay full and sip yourself skinny!”
BIKINI TEA:
Caffeine-free, all natural, relaxing herbal tea medley.
Chamomile flower, Spearmint leaf, Rose hip, Orange peel, Senna leaf blend (Senna is an FDA-approved nonprescription laxative)
Drink this before bed; Flushes out toxins and rejuvenates on the cellular level while you sleep
“Say bye-bye to water weight!”
BIKINI STICKS:
Juicy raspberry ketone [“kee-tohn”] stick
Vitamin B complex reduces stress, increases energy and a positive mental outlook
Sweetened with Stevia and sucerlose
Curbs cravings and helps keep you full in between meals
Provides fat-burning action, an energy boost, and delicious flavor
“A party in your mouth!”
IMPORTANT FACTS:
BIKINI CLEANSE is vegetarian, not vegan. (The BIKINI SMOOTHIE uses whey protein, however, the BIKINI TEA and BIKINI STICKS are in fact vegan—free of animal products)
BIKINI CLEANSE is gluten-free.
BIKINI CLEANSE is nut-free however the products are produced in a facility that DOES handle nuts.
NOT to be consumed while pregnant or nursing as it contains natural stimulants to give you energy and releases toxins into your system
The participating chefs in this event pose for a group photo.
JUPITER, FL (April 6, 2017) – Renewal Coalition is an organization which provides fully paid retreats for combat injured or ill service members and their families. Many of our wounded service members and their families must spend weeks or months in military hospitals, VA hospitals or rehabilitation centers all over the country. These extended medical stays take a huge toll on the families. Renewal Coalition brings veterans and their families to Jupiter, Florida for a fully paid retreat in order to help them reconnect as a couple or family before returning to rehabilitation, active duty or civilian life. The coalition was founded by Sandy and Sara Lankler as a labor of love. Mr. Lankler passed away in 2013 but Sara is often found on the grounds ready to give an impromptu tour and a passionate talk about the organization’s mission.
For the sixth year, local well-known chefs are partnering with the Renewal Coalition to help raise much-needed funding by offering their talent, service and even the food to present Chefs Helping Heroes, an evening of excellent dining, drinks, music, dancing and an exciting live auction. And you couldn’t ask for a better location! The setting of the Coalition is along the Loxahatchee River in a beautiful compound reminiscent of Old Florida, tucked among the banyans. Executive Director Mary Hinton states, “It is an amazing event where the community comes together to support us. We are grateful for the chefs, our donors and our sponsors in making this a memorable evening.”
The Chefs Participating are:
Chef Frank Eucalitto, Cafe Chardonnay
Wine Guy Brian Chamis, Vine Post
Chef Pascal Georget, Reef Grill
Chef John Carlino, Chef Corp
Chef Erik Peterson, EVO
Chef Justin Knight, Dive Bar
Chef Domenick Laudia, American Culinary Federation Palm Beach County
Laura Ashley, Laura Ashley Catering
Additionally, these generous sponsors that provide so much to the cause are, Document Storage Systems, inc., Worth Group, Bill & Beck Haim, Admiral’s Cove Foundation, Better Party Rentals, Tito’s Vodka and International Parking Systems.
The event is April 26, 2017, from 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm. Tickets can be purchased online at www.renewalcoalition.org or call 561-746-0190. We hope you will be able to join us as we come together to help those who have given so much on behalf our country and our freedom.
If you are unable to attend and would like to make a donation, for more information, please visit www.renewalcoalition.org. The Renewal Coalition is a 501(c) (3). And welcomes donations, volunteers or services.
